After impressing England Lions coach Jon Lewis during the winter tour to Bangladesh Hyde’s young batsman and bowler George Balderson was no doubt hoping to have further involvement when the U19s squad for the tri-series fixtures against India and Bangladesh was announced this week. Not only was that confirmed but George will also have the added honour of captaining the team.

During a hectic 20 day period, starting on 21st July, England U19s will play both teams 4 times to decide who will compete in the final at Hove on 11th August. Full details of the squad and fixtures can be found on the ECB website.

George, who this Summer joined the Lancashire senior set up, is currently involved in the 2nd XI Roses 3 day fixture at Liverpool against Yorkshire. With the forthcoming England fixtures it looks like the Balderson family will be putting in even more miles travelling around the counties supporting George and his siblings. Older brother Tom recently played in his second Varsity match for Cambridge while younger brother Ben, also at Hyde, is involved in age group cricket for Cheshire. Of course dad Phil still believes he’s the best cricketer in the family!

Everyone at the club is very proud that George has been chosen to captain England and we hope he has a very successful time in the role.

Reminder - Don’t forget that the club are hosting the Vitality Club T20 Finals Day on Sunday 14th July. The day consists of both semi-finals and the final with Hyde taking on Chester Boughton Hall in the second semi-final once Toft and Nantwich have completed the first semi-final. For further details, including important information regarding planned road disruption on the day, click here.